ONE woman's lasting dedication to the town she loved has been marked with a special tree-planting ceremony in her honour.

Janet Walton had been a key part of the Epping Society for over three decades, serving as its membership secretary until her death two years ago.

Members of the society have now planted a flowering cherry tree on the Green, in Epping, in a ceremony overseen by her husband Geoffrey, and grandchildren Fred and Daniel.

Epping Society publicity, trees, and walks secretary Mavis Ellis said: “She was a very lovely lady, really kind and gentle, and she did very well for the society.

“We thought she'd given us 30-odd years of really hard slog and we really felt we wanted to mark that.

“The tree is lovely and very near their house so every time they leave they'll see it. It couldn't be in a nicer place in a lovely spot by the church.

“It went very well and we all went and had tea and cakes afterwards, even her boys. We reckoned about 60 people were there.”